CPHHE Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity

04/29/2026

Great news! A growing share of infants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are being breastfed — with a 34.2% increase between 2022 and 2025. Breastfeeding provides critical health benefits for babies and parents alike, and this progress is a promising step toward health equity for all families. 💙
Read more 👉 https://www.cbpp.org/blog/growing-share-of-infants-participating-in-wic-are-breastfed

The number and share of infant participants in the WIC program who are breastfed have risen since 2022, a promising indicator that more parents are choosing to breastfeed, infants are breastfeeding for longer periods, or some combination of the two.

04/22/2026

Is yoga enough of a workout? The answer might surprise you!

Research shows that yoga can improve strength, flexibility, mental health, and even reduce chronic inflammation — all key factors in promoting overall health and well-being. Depending on the style you choose, a consistent yoga practice of at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, may be enough to meet your fitness goals!

Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or looking to mix things up, yoga is accessible to almost everyone and can be a powerful tool for your health.

Read more here https://www.eatingwell.com/is-yoga-alone-a-good-enough-form-of-exercise-11942239

Yoga is known for its calming effects but is it enough exercise if that's all you do? Learn how to make the most of your yoga sessions.

04/20/2026

New research shows that ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher risk of obesity in adolescents. As we work to promote health equity in our community, understanding the impact of nutrition on our youth is more important than ever.

Read more below!
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260415/Ultra-processed-foods-linked-to-higher-obesity-risk-in-adolescents.aspx

Adolescents who consume more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have significantly higher odds of being overweight or obese, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in the open-access journal PLOS One by Mekuriaw Nibret Aweke of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, and colleagues.

04/15/2026

🩺 New research highlights something simple—but powerful—for healthier pregnancies:

Balancing how much you sit and move each day may significantly lower the risk of high blood pressure complications during pregnancy.

A recent study found that:
✨ Limiting sitting time (ideally under ~8 hours/day)
✨ Increasing light daily movement (like walking or household tasks)
✨ Getting adequate rest

💡 Takeaway: Small, consistent movement adds up. Standing more, walking often, and avoiding long periods of sitting could make a real difference for both mom and baby.

📖 Read more here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260319/Balancing-sitting-and-movement-may-lower-the-risk-for-hypertensive-disorders-of-pregnancy.aspx

During pregnancy, women can reduce their risk of developing a hypertensive disorder by nearly 30% by limiting sedentary time to no more than eight hours a day and increasing light, everyday physical activity to at least seven hours a day, according to preliminary research presented at the American H...

04/10/2026

Small daily changes can make a big difference

New research from the American Heart Association shows that replacing just 30 minutes of sedentary time with sleep or physical activity may help reduce teens’ risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even a little more movement or rest can go a long way!

Read more: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/more-sleep-and-physical-activity-may-prevent-type-2-diabetes-in-teens

Research Highlights: If adolescents replaced 30 minutes of sedentary time each day with sleep or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, it may reduce their insulin resistance and thus reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to an ...

04/09/2026

Join us this Friday for another great session of Common Ground—we’d love to see you there!

🌍 Public Health Month Spotlight | Join Us for Common Ground – Tomorrow! 🌍

In recognition of Public Health Month, MACA–COPC is proud to invite you to a timely Common Ground session you won’t want to miss.

🎤 Featured Speaker:
Dhutinut “DT” Ratanpradipa, PhD
Program Director and Professor of Master of Public Health
Department of Clinical Research and Public Health & Family and Community Medicine
Creighton University School of Medicine

📌 Topic:
“Communicating Environmental Risks: Empowering Communities for a Safer Future”

Why should you attend?
✅ Environmental risks affect health outcomes, equity, and community resilience
✅ Clear, effective communication saves lives and builds trust
✅ Public health professionals, clinicians, researchers, students, and community advocates all play a role
✅ Learn how science, communication, and community engagement intersect to reduce health disparities

Dr. Ratanpradipa brings deep expertise in public health leadership, environmental health, and community-centered research, offering practical insights on how we can better equip communities with the information they need to protect their health—today and for future generations.

📅 Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
💻 Location: Zoom
🔗 Join here: https://creighton.zoom.us/j/93321067278
💬 Have a question you’d like addressed during the session?
Email us at copc@creighton.edu

Let’s come together across disciplines to learn, reflect, and take action—for healthier, safer communities. See you at Common Ground!

04/09/2026

Food is healthcare. 🥦💙

A Virginia food hub is helping thousands by providing fresh, healthy food—sometimes by doctor referral—showing how access to nutrition can improve health and fight chronic illness.

As demand rises, programs like this matter more than ever.

Read more: https://www.whro.org/health/2026-03-20/at-berkley-food-hub-food-is-part-of-the-prescription-as-demand-rises

A food hub next to a Sentara clinic has served tens of thousands of people over the past two years, as rising demand and looming cuts to federal benefits put increasing pressure on local food systems.

04/08/2026

We’re excited to share that our 2026 Community Resource Guide is here! 🎉

This year’s updates include:
✨ A new color-coded system to showcase affordability for local services and resources
🚌 Expanded resources on accessing healthcare through Metro Transit
🌳 Local Omaha trails to support physical activity and wellness

The Spanish version is currently in progress and will be available soon—stay tuned!

📱 You can access the guide online by scanning the QR code below.
📦 Interested in a physical copy (English or upcoming Spanish)? Reach out—we’re happy to connect!

💬 Please share this guide with your networks to help connect more community members to these valuable resources!

Let us know what resources you’re most excited about 💙

04/02/2026

Join us in celebrating National Public Health Week with Creighton University! 🌍

Explore resources, events, and conversations highlighting how public health impacts our communities and why it matters now more than ever. From health equity to community well-being, it all starts with us.

Learn more and get involved: Check it out here
https://www.creighton.edu/nphw

National Public Health Week is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health.

04/01/2026

We're excited to share the CPHHE March Newsletter!

03/26/2026

Stay Connected With Us!

Want to stay up to date on upcoming events, resources, and community highlights? Follow us on Instagram! Search for us using our handle , and be sure to like, follow, and share our page to stay connected and support our work in advancing health equity.

You can also visit us here:

9 Followers, 16 Following, 3 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Center for Promoting Health and Health Equity ()

03/26/2026

Join us for Common Ground!

🌟 Join Us for March 27th Common Ground! 🌟

Creighton University’s Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) Program invites you to an inspiring and knowledge‑filled session of Common Ground, our long‑standing interprofessional forum focused on health disparities.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Joy D. Doll, OTD, OTR/L, Program Director of the Health Informatics Program at Creighton University, who will be presenting on:
🔍 “Data Driven Decision Making: Building Capacity for Evidence‑Based Practice”

This is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, community members, and professionals to explore how data can empower more informed, equitable, and effective practices in healthcare and community settings.
📅 Date: Friday, March 27th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CT)
💻 Zoom Link: https://creighton.zoom.us/j/93321067278
Have a question you’d love our speaker to address during the session?
📨 Send it to copc@creighton.edu

We hope you can join us for this meaningful conversation and continue building a community committed to learning, collaboration, and health equity. 💙